Lake Metroparks extending park hours

In order to make the parks more accessible, Lake Metroparks has decided to permanently extend park hours until 11 p.m. to accommodate those who like hitting the trails at night.

The move follows the Metroparks' initiative over the past year to create more opportunities for people to enjoy the parks, said Executive Director Paul Palagyi.

In 2012 that meant opening up properties the Metroparks owned, but didn't use, to the public.

"One of the things that came up in that discussion was that previously we have closed the parks at sunset," Palagyi said. "What we talked about, especially in the winter, was that by the time people get home at night it's almost dark."

Observing that Cleveland Metroparks and the Geauga Park District both keep parks open until 11 p.m., Lake Metroparks decided to extend the hours at most parks.

However, the new extended hours do not applying to the Farmpark, two golf courses, the children's school house and the environmental learning center.

After speaking with the Metroparks' rangers, Palagyi said most of the people who were in the park after closing hours were not doing anything wrong.

"We know that most of our visitors abide by the rules," he said. "The new hours are in effect now. We've told all the rangers that we don't ask anybody to leave until 11 p.m. and we're getting signs up at all park locations."

Chief Ranger Mike Burko said those taking advantage of the parks at night need to exercise more caution than in the day.

"I would say there certainly are exterior areas that visitors could go and need little or no additional help. We have areas around facilities and parking lots that you can visit without a flashlight," he said. "I certainly recommend those venturing into the interiors of the parks to bring lights or cellphones. Dogs still need to remain on leashes."

Burko also said park visitors should stick to trails they're used to in the daylight as it is easy to get turned around in the dark. Rangers will still be patrolling the parks as usual and will be able to help people if need be.

John Grantham, directors of Lake Metroparks park operations, said he does not anticipate any big impact on the operations with the extended hours.

"Our rangers are comfortable they can continue to provide safety for the parks," he said. "We will be changing the lights on the sledding hills to turn off at 11 instead of 9. I think it's a wonderful idea."

Palagyi said the Metroparks is continuing to evaluate the parks and the serviceability to patrons.

"We're really looking carefully at everything we do to increase ways for people to enjoy the parks more," he said.